The controversy surrounding a viral video of Sammy Gyamfi, the acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), gifting an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, has deepened following remarks by policy analyst Franklin Cudjoe.
In a public reaction on Sunday, Mr. Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, said the incident raises serious questions about transparency and public perception, especially given Mr. Gyamfi’s dual role as a senior government appointee and a leading party figure.
“It is a difficult one. It is clear the amount gifted is above GHC 20k. Sammy needs to answer some questions to us and JM,” Mr. Cudjoe stated, referencing the amount seen in the video and calling for accountability from Mr. Gyamfi and clarification to former President John Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer.
The video, which surfaced over the weekend, showed Mr. Gyamfi handing a bundle of dollar notes to Agradaa in what appeared to be a private setting. The footage quickly ignited public backlash and internal concern within NDC circles, where some party supporters expressed confusion and disappointment over the optics of the gesture—particularly given Agradaa’s controversial public reputation.
In a statement released shortly after the backlash, Mr. Gyamfi defended his actions, explaining that the gift was a personal act of kindness. “…this was simply a kind gesture to a fellow human being, in line with my daily and life-long custom of lending a helping hand to people in need,” he wrote, adding that he had no intention for the moment to be public.
“I sincerely thought that I was doing this act of kindness in private, and never imagined that same could find its way into the public space. That is unfortunate and regrettable,” he added.
But for critics like Cudjoe, the issue goes beyond generosity. “If you are a key figure in a party that’s promising integrity and reforms, your public and private conduct must be consistent. This was not just a ‘personal’ moment—it speaks to how leaders are perceived,” he said in a follow-up comment.
Mr. Gyamfi has since apologised to party members, stating, “I understand the uproar that this gesture has generated, particularly from comrades who are sincerely hurt by same. To all such comrades, I AM SINCERELY SORRY for this unfortunate act of indiscretion. I respect and appreciate your views.”
Despite the apology, the incident has sparked wider calls for accountability, with some suggesting that the NDC leadership should initiate an internal inquiry to clarify the source of the funds and the intent behind the gesture.
As the debate unfolds, questions remain over how the party will respond and whether this episode could affect public confidence in its campaign messaging on accountability and responsible governance.
